Dietitians say counting calories bad
Replies
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Dogmom1978 wrote: »Ohh boy, we have just had a debate about counting calories on a different thread, that went kind of hot. I stated 'counting calories is a waste of time' and I received some backlash some even felt insulted. I still believe it is in itself not enough. It is a great tool to track calorie intake to achive calorie deficit, and if one's calorie deficit is sustainable on the long run it should be off great benefit. What is more important than calorie deficit/calorie counting is the type of calorie one takes in. It can mean the difference between a successful diet or frustration.
@bubus05 It got hot because of how very incorrect the “advise” you were giving was (which was proven by multiple people on that thread).
For health, you should obviously try to get enough protein and fat. For losing weight, calorie deficit is all that matters. Carbs aren’t evil. IF you have a health condition where you have to limit certain macros, then yes, you should track those more carefully (a couple of examples: diabetes or kidney disease).
As said above, for most of us, counting calories works. Most of us don’t have an actual eating disorder. If you do, you are probably underweight and shouldn’t count calories because it will likely trigger more unhealthy eating behaviors.
OP, based on some of your other threads, I’m going to ask if you have ever talked to a professional. If not, maybe talking to a therapist would be helpful.
No I have never talked to a professional however that doesn't mean I can't read or listen to professionals. By the way there is no need to be personal about this I consider everyone a friend here after all we are all interested in how diets work or dont work that's some common ground isn't it.
I pointed out a calorie deficit or calorie extra intake for that matter will influence one's metabolism, this is proven by multiple studies and experts, therefore equally as important-as calorie counting- if not more so is what one will consume. How am I wrong?
Lots of things impact our metabolism in some way. That doesn't mean they're "equally as important" as overall energy balance when it comes to managing our weight.6 -
So what do you do when you're eating out and there is no nutrition label? What if you buy meals at the grocery store and it has no information on macros?
It happens regularly in my case. Almost everyday3 -
So what do you do when you're eating out and there is no nutrition label? What if you buy meals at the grocery store and it has no information on macros?
It happens regularly in my case. Almost everyday
I look at what I'm eating, discern the ingredients to the best of my ability, and estimate how much I'm eating of each ingredient. Or I find a similar looking item for which there is calorie information.
Since I'm logging to a high degree of accuracy when I'm preparing my own food, it isn't really a problem that sometimes I'm making rougher estimates.
If it was happening to me almost every day, I'd accept that my progress with weight management might be a little more uneven than it was if I was estimating more accurately.
Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.16 -
So what do you do when you're eating out and there is no nutrition label? What if you buy meals at the grocery store and it has no information on macros?
It happens regularly in my case. Almost everyday
I don’t worry a fig about the macros if it doesn’t tell me. I know if I choose a meal with chicken in it, roughly how much protein I should get based on the weight of the chicken. Again, I don’t worry about it though.
As for eating out, most of us try to pick something similar from the data base based on our experience with tracking calories. Of course it won’t be 100% accurate, but nothing truly is.
Personally, I don’t sweat the small stuff. I track as accurately as I can and continue to lose my expected 1 lb per week, so I must be doing something right. 😊7 -
So what do you do when you're eating out and there is no nutrition label? What if you buy meals at the grocery store and it has no information on macros?
It happens regularly in my case. Almost everyday
Maybe...stop buying mystery meals from the grocery store? I don't know where you live, but surely your grocery store makes nutrition information available for their prepackaged foods somewhere.
For restaurant food - most chain restaurants, at this point, make their nutrition information available online. If you're supporting small local places, they may not have their nutrition info available, but you can still approximate your meal with what's already in the database for the most part. There's a limit to how many calories a restaurant can pack into a meal, it's not unknowable.
If cooking for yourself or buying your food from large chains are not feasible for you, then I don't know what to tell you.
To address the OP: +1 suggestion to not get your nutrition advice from TikTok. "Dietitian," in particular, is actually a protected title in the US (not sure about other places) - you need a license to call yourself that, and I'd be very skeptical of licensed dietitians out here working for free, especially on a social media app. That said, it is possible for people who already have or are developing a disordered relationship with food to fixate on calorie-counting such that it harms more than it helps in achieving their goals. The problem there is the disordered eating, though, not the calorie counting in and of itself. There are also people who don't do well with "intuitive eating," also due to mental health struggles like executive dysfunction or a disordered relationship with food - neither approach to health and nutrition is categorically better or worse, it's about what works for the individual.5 -
I definitely think it depends on the person. Some people can log and have really healthy outlooks when they go over their calories or just in their relation to food in general.
I've noticed that I, personally, have more consistent losses and a healthier relationship with food when I don't log. I just become obsessed with the numbers and accuracy to an unhealthy point. I obsess over everything that doesn't fit in my calories. I get frustrated when my numbers don't equate to loss because, even if I went over, I feel like I am working really hard mentally.
I do keep a mental estimate based on passed logging and I check calories on things that I don't have any ideas about. This has made it easier for me and I have consistently lost weight every month since doing this.3 -
I have found that counting calories, not obsessively but in search of accurate information about my eating habits, has been the only thing that helped me to counter weight gain. I would think I was eating a sensible balanced diet and consuming a reasonable amount; then I would put it into mfp and see that the calories were far higher than I had been thinking. I don't think it matters what you do to understand how your eating habits relate to your weight, but if you want to lose weight you will need to understand that relationship. Counting calories did it for me.4
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Dogmom1978 wrote: »Ohh boy, we have just had a debate about counting calories on a different thread, that went kind of hot. I stated 'counting calories is a waste of time' and I received some backlash some even felt insulted. I still believe it is in itself not enough. It is a great tool to track calorie intake to achive calorie deficit, and if one's calorie deficit is sustainable on the long run it should be off great benefit. What is more important than calorie deficit/calorie counting is the type of calorie one takes in. It can mean the difference between a successful diet or frustration.
@bubus05 It got hot because of how very incorrect the “advise” you were giving was (which was proven by multiple people on that thread).
For health, you should obviously try to get enough protein and fat. For losing weight, calorie deficit is all that matters. Carbs aren’t evil. IF you have a health condition where you have to limit certain macros, then yes, you should track those more carefully (a couple of examples: diabetes or kidney disease).
As said above, for most of us, counting calories works. Most of us don’t have an actual eating disorder. If you do, you are probably underweight and shouldn’t count calories because it will likely trigger more unhealthy eating behaviors.
OP, based on some of your other threads, I’m going to ask if you have ever talked to a professional. If not, maybe talking to a therapist would be helpful.
No I have never talked to a professional however that doesn't mean I can't read or listen to professionals. By the way there is no need to be personal about this I consider everyone a friend here after all we are all interested in how diets work or dont work that's some common ground isn't it.
I pointed out a calorie deficit or calorie extra intake for that matter will influence one's metabolism, this is proven by multiple studies and experts, therefore equally as important-as calorie counting- if not more so is what one will consume. How am I wrong?
I admire your tenacity, @bubus05 ... but as of this minute, you have 23 total posts on MFP, and 210 disagrees. That's plain amazing to me. Now I'm not saying that proves or disproves anything about your beliefs, but you've definitely found yourself a hot topic. You must understand by now that people here are going to challenge you every time you bring it up.
In a weird way I kind of like to be challenged I dont take anything here personally, we agree to disagree there is nothing wrong with that. Yes most will disagree with me but I dont mind. Everything that I wrote here is based on
experience. The why and how is based on research, now I might be missing something or misunderstand something quite possible I am no expert myself. I think that most will agree that depending on what one eats will influence one's metabolism. The question is how or at what point during diet. IMHO a simply reduced calorie intake with no regards to the type of calorie one eats is not the best most effective method, if it is not sustainable. If it is sustainable no worries the pounds one lost will remain lost regardless of the diet being on high carb low carb whatever kind of diet. I am not advocating against 'counting the calories' but try to point out that a simply reduced calorie diet may not get you the results you want or that long term may not be sustainable. Here is the science parthttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673773/1 -
Dogmom1978 wrote: »Ohh boy, we have just had a debate about counting calories on a different thread, that went kind of hot. I stated 'counting calories is a waste of time' and I received some backlash some even felt insulted. I still believe it is in itself not enough. It is a great tool to track calorie intake to achive calorie deficit, and if one's calorie deficit is sustainable on the long run it should be off great benefit. What is more important than calorie deficit/calorie counting is the type of calorie one takes in. It can mean the difference between a successful diet or frustration.
@bubus05 It got hot because of how very incorrect the “advise” you were giving was (which was proven by multiple people on that thread).
For health, you should obviously try to get enough protein and fat. For losing weight, calorie deficit is all that matters. Carbs aren’t evil. IF you have a health condition where you have to limit certain macros, then yes, you should track those more carefully (a couple of examples: diabetes or kidney disease).
As said above, for most of us, counting calories works. Most of us don’t have an actual eating disorder. If you do, you are probably underweight and shouldn’t count calories because it will likely trigger more unhealthy eating behaviors.
OP, based on some of your other threads, I’m going to ask if you have ever talked to a professional. If not, maybe talking to a therapist would be helpful.
No I have never talked to a professional however that doesn't mean I can't read or listen to professionals. By the way there is no need to be personal about this I consider everyone a friend here after all we are all interested in how diets work or dont work that's some common ground isn't it.
I pointed out a calorie deficit or calorie extra intake for that matter will influence one's metabolism, this is proven by multiple studies and experts, therefore equally as important-as calorie counting- if not more so is what one will consume. How am I wrong?
I admire your tenacity, @bubus05 ... but as of this minute, you have 23 total posts on MFP, and 210 disagrees. That's plain amazing to me. Now I'm not saying that proves or disproves anything about your beliefs, but you've definitely found yourself a hot topic. You must understand by now that people here are going to challenge you every time you bring it up.
In a weird way I kind of like to be challenged I dont take anything here personally, we agree to disagree there is nothing wrong with that. Yes most will disagree with me but I dont mind. Everything that I wrote here is based on
experience. The why and how is based on research, now I might be missing something or misunderstand something quite possible I am no expert myself. I think that most will agree that depending on what one eats will influence one's metabolism. The question is how or at what point during diet. IMHO a simply reduced calorie intake with no regards to the type of calorie one eats is not the best most effective method, if it is not sustainable. If it is sustainable no worries the pounds one lost will remain lost regardless of the diet being on high carb low carb whatever kind of diet. I am not advocating against 'counting the calories' but try to point out that a simply reduced calorie diet may not get you the results you want or that long term may not be sustainable. Here is the science parthttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673773/
That study is a giant pivot from your earlier diatribes. Is your approach to sling stuff at the wall, when it doesn't stick and you get called out for the glaring fallacies to then just sling a completely different pile of poo?
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Dogmom1978 wrote: »Ohh boy, we have just had a debate about counting calories on a different thread, that went kind of hot. I stated 'counting calories is a waste of time' and I received some backlash some even felt insulted. I still believe it is in itself not enough. It is a great tool to track calorie intake to achive calorie deficit, and if one's calorie deficit is sustainable on the long run it should be off great benefit. What is more important than calorie deficit/calorie counting is the type of calorie one takes in. It can mean the difference between a successful diet or frustration.
@bubus05 It got hot because of how very incorrect the “advise” you were giving was (which was proven by multiple people on that thread).
For health, you should obviously try to get enough protein and fat. For losing weight, calorie deficit is all that matters. Carbs aren’t evil. IF you have a health condition where you have to limit certain macros, then yes, you should track those more carefully (a couple of examples: diabetes or kidney disease).
As said above, for most of us, counting calories works. Most of us don’t have an actual eating disorder. If you do, you are probably underweight and shouldn’t count calories because it will likely trigger more unhealthy eating behaviors.
OP, based on some of your other threads, I’m going to ask if you have ever talked to a professional. If not, maybe talking to a therapist would be helpful.
No I have never talked to a professional however that doesn't mean I can't read or listen to professionals. By the way there is no need to be personal about this I consider everyone a friend here after all we are all interested in how diets work or dont work that's some common ground isn't it.
I pointed out a calorie deficit or calorie extra intake for that matter will influence one's metabolism, this is proven by multiple studies and experts, therefore equally as important-as calorie counting- if not more so is what one will consume. How am I wrong?
I admire your tenacity, @bubus05 ... but as of this minute, you have 23 total posts on MFP, and 210 disagrees. That's plain amazing to me. Now I'm not saying that proves or disproves anything about your beliefs, but you've definitely found yourself a hot topic. You must understand by now that people here are going to challenge you every time you bring it up.
In a weird way I kind of like to be challenged I dont take anything here personally, we agree to disagree there is nothing wrong with that. Yes most will disagree with me but I dont mind. Everything that I wrote here is based on
experience. The why and how is based on research, now I might be missing something or misunderstand something quite possible I am no expert myself. I think that most will agree that depending on what one eats will influence one's metabolism. The question is how or at what point during diet. IMHO a simply reduced calorie intake with no regards to the type of calorie one eats is not the best most effective method, if it is not sustainable. If it is sustainable no worries the pounds one lost will remain lost regardless of the diet being on high carb low carb whatever kind of diet. I am not advocating against 'counting the calories' but try to point out that a simply reduced calorie diet may not get you the results you want or that long term may not be sustainable. Here is the science parthttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673773/
Even if the body is using fewer calories as the result of adaptations due to weight loss, that's going to happen whether we lose weight through consciously counting calories or another method of weight loss (that involves reducing calories through a more roundabout method). It's not like the simple ACT of counting calories results in different results once we're at the goal, so I'm absolutely at a loss as to what you're trying to argue here.
If the argument is that successful weight management includes identifying which foods/types of meals results in satiety, I don't think anyone here would argue against that. It's just that we recognize that counting calories is a good way to ensure one is hitting one's goal for loss/management. It can be used with ALL other strategies for weight management, including eating for satiety (high volume, high fiber, high protein, etc), limiting eating opportunities (fasting, OMAD), eating regularly (multiple small meals), limiting certain types of food (high sugar, high fat, etc). Almost any eating adaptation I can think of can be used in combination with calorie counting, with the bonus that it makes weight management more predictable and allows one to continue to manage one's weight even if one's routine is thrown off. For example, if I manage my weight with the hack of limiting pre-prepared food, I might struggle if a family member is in the hospital for an extended period and I have to get a bunch of my meals from fast food or another pre-made source. If I'm limiting pre-prepared food and counting calories, then when my routine is thrown off, I can still eat to my calorie goal even when I'm going to Taco Bell.
About the only method that doesn't work well with calorie counting, IMO, is intuitive eating.
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I see many dietitians (on TikTok) say counting calories is a really bad idea and can cause an eating disorder. I do find that when I count calories I’m hyper focused on food but feel in control like I’m doing something about my weight. BUT when I’m counting calories I also feel out of control and want to binge. I want to count calories but worried it’s giving me an eating disorder, but if I don’t count then I don’t know if I’m in a deficit to lose. Feeling stuck
🙄 ===>😒====>🤦♂️
Uuggghhh.7 -
There many imaginary doctors floating in the sea. Some of them just stick a shingle up on their wall and take everyone to the cleaners.6
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I see many dietitians (on TikTok) say counting calories is a really bad idea and can cause an eating disorder. I do find that when I count calories I’m hyper focused on food but feel in control like I’m doing something about my weight. BUT when I’m counting calories I also feel out of control and want to binge. I want to count calories but worried it’s giving me an eating disorder, but if I don’t count then I don’t know if I’m in a deficit to lose. Feeling stuck
IMO, counting calories is merely a tool to get from point A to point B...4 -
Dogmom1978 wrote: »Ohh boy, we have just had a debate about counting calories on a different thread, that went kind of hot. I stated 'counting calories is a waste of time' and I received some backlash some even felt insulted. I still believe it is in itself not enough. It is a great tool to track calorie intake to achive calorie deficit, and if one's calorie deficit is sustainable on the long run it should be off great benefit. What is more important than calorie deficit/calorie counting is the type of calorie one takes in. It can mean the difference between a successful diet or frustration.
@bubus05 It got hot because of how very incorrect the “advise” you were giving was (which was proven by multiple people on that thread).
For health, you should obviously try to get enough protein and fat. For losing weight, calorie deficit is all that matters. Carbs aren’t evil. IF you have a health condition where you have to limit certain macros, then yes, you should track those more carefully (a couple of examples: diabetes or kidney disease).
As said above, for most of us, counting calories works. Most of us don’t have an actual eating disorder. If you do, you are probably underweight and shouldn’t count calories because it will likely trigger more unhealthy eating behaviors.
OP, based on some of your other threads, I’m going to ask if you have ever talked to a professional. If not, maybe talking to a therapist would be helpful.
No I have never talked to a professional however that doesn't mean I can't read or listen to professionals. By the way there is no need to be personal about this I consider everyone a friend here after all we are all interested in how diets work or dont work that's some common ground isn't it.
I pointed out a calorie deficit or calorie extra intake for that matter will influence one's metabolism, this is proven by multiple studies and experts, therefore equally as important-as calorie counting- if not more so is what one will consume. How am I wrong?
I admire your tenacity, @bubus05 ... but as of this minute, you have 23 total posts on MFP, and 210 disagrees. That's plain amazing to me. Now I'm not saying that proves or disproves anything about your beliefs, but you've definitely found yourself a hot topic. You must understand by now that people here are going to challenge you every time you bring it up.
In a weird way I kind of like to be challenged I dont take anything here personally, we agree to disagree there is nothing wrong with that. Yes most will disagree with me but I dont mind. Everything that I wrote here is based on
experience. The why and how is based on research, now I might be missing something or misunderstand something quite possible I am no expert myself. I think that most will agree that depending on what one eats will influence one's metabolism. The question is how or at what point during diet. IMHO a simply reduced calorie intake with no regards to the type of calorie one eats is not the best most effective method, if it is not sustainable. If it is sustainable no worries the pounds one lost will remain lost regardless of the diet being on high carb low carb whatever kind of diet. I am not advocating against 'counting the calories' but try to point out that a simply reduced calorie diet may not get you the results you want or that long term may not be sustainable. Here is the science parthttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673773/
😂😂😂 I mean honestly, it almost seems like you’re trying to win an award for most disagrees or something....
Of course if I weigh less I burn fewer calories. That’s going to occur regardless of what “diet” you choose. And people regain the weight because they don’t continue the behavior that resulted in the weight loss in the first place, not because of some magic where their bodies decide to hold onto all the carbs forever and ever. 😆😆😆😆😆😆13 -
Dogmom1978 wrote: »Dogmom1978 wrote: »Ohh boy, we have just had a debate about counting calories on a different thread, that went kind of hot. I stated 'counting calories is a waste of time' and I received some backlash some even felt insulted. I still believe it is in itself not enough. It is a great tool to track calorie intake to achive calorie deficit, and if one's calorie deficit is sustainable on the long run it should be off great benefit. What is more important than calorie deficit/calorie counting is the type of calorie one takes in. It can mean the difference between a successful diet or frustration.
@bubus05 It got hot because of how very incorrect the “advise” you were giving was (which was proven by multiple people on that thread).
For health, you should obviously try to get enough protein and fat. For losing weight, calorie deficit is all that matters. Carbs aren’t evil. IF you have a health condition where you have to limit certain macros, then yes, you should track those more carefully (a couple of examples: diabetes or kidney disease).
As said above, for most of us, counting calories works. Most of us don’t have an actual eating disorder. If you do, you are probably underweight and shouldn’t count calories because it will likely trigger more unhealthy eating behaviors.
OP, based on some of your other threads, I’m going to ask if you have ever talked to a professional. If not, maybe talking to a therapist would be helpful.
No I have never talked to a professional however that doesn't mean I can't read or listen to professionals. By the way there is no need to be personal about this I consider everyone a friend here after all we are all interested in how diets work or dont work that's some common ground isn't it.
I pointed out a calorie deficit or calorie extra intake for that matter will influence one's metabolism, this is proven by multiple studies and experts, therefore equally as important-as calorie counting- if not more so is what one will consume. How am I wrong?
I admire your tenacity, @bubus05 ... but as of this minute, you have 23 total posts on MFP, and 210 disagrees. That's plain amazing to me. Now I'm not saying that proves or disproves anything about your beliefs, but you've definitely found yourself a hot topic. You must understand by now that people here are going to challenge you every time you bring it up.
In a weird way I kind of like to be challenged I dont take anything here personally, we agree to disagree there is nothing wrong with that. Yes most will disagree with me but I dont mind. Everything that I wrote here is based on
experience. The why and how is based on research, now I might be missing something or misunderstand something quite possible I am no expert myself. I think that most will agree that depending on what one eats will influence one's metabolism. The question is how or at what point during diet. IMHO a simply reduced calorie intake with no regards to the type of calorie one eats is not the best most effective method, if it is not sustainable. If it is sustainable no worries the pounds one lost will remain lost regardless of the diet being on high carb low carb whatever kind of diet. I am not advocating against 'counting the calories' but try to point out that a simply reduced calorie diet may not get you the results you want or that long term may not be sustainable. Here is the science parthttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673773/
😂😂😂 I mean honestly, it almost seems like you’re trying to win an award for most disagrees or something....
Of course if I weigh less I burn fewer calories. That’s going to occur regardless of what “diet” you choose. And people regain the weight because they don’t continue the behavior that resulted in the weight loss in the first place, not because of some magic where their bodies decide to hold onto all the carbs forever and ever. 😆😆😆😆😆😆
If I understand correctly, they are arguing that post-weight loss one is burning even FEWER calories than one would anticipate for body mass and activity. That is, the body has undergone a metabolic slowdown above and beyond that which is related to simply maintaining less body weight.
The point is that even if this is true, this is something that would happen even if one loses weight through limiting white foods or only eating on odd-numbered hours or forever limiting carbohydrates or only eating foods that you can juggle or whatever the jack du jour is. This would make it simply a biological truism that we all must deal with and one could still make adjustments for it when determining the number of calories one should eat.
For example, if general guidelines would indicate that I need 1,500 calories to maintain my weight, but due to some metabolic issue I actually need 1,300, I would realize that by tracking my weight over time and I could adjust my daily goal to the level at which I maintain my ideal weight -- 1,300. That I should generally expect to maintain at 1,500 is nothing more than a random factoid that I can disregard, as real life results have shown me that it is not true in my case. If I'm someone who is already counting calories, this will likely be an easier process for me than it would be if I lost weight through some diet hack that completely disregarded calories because I wouldn't have the data to track and make appropriate adjustments.11 -
janejellyroll wrote: »Dogmom1978 wrote: »Dogmom1978 wrote: »Ohh boy, we have just had a debate about counting calories on a different thread, that went kind of hot. I stated 'counting calories is a waste of time' and I received some backlash some even felt insulted. I still believe it is in itself not enough. It is a great tool to track calorie intake to achive calorie deficit, and if one's calorie deficit is sustainable on the long run it should be off great benefit. What is more important than calorie deficit/calorie counting is the type of calorie one takes in. It can mean the difference between a successful diet or frustration.
@bubus05 It got hot because of how very incorrect the “advise” you were giving was (which was proven by multiple people on that thread).
For health, you should obviously try to get enough protein and fat. For losing weight, calorie deficit is all that matters. Carbs aren’t evil. IF you have a health condition where you have to limit certain macros, then yes, you should track those more carefully (a couple of examples: diabetes or kidney disease).
As said above, for most of us, counting calories works. Most of us don’t have an actual eating disorder. If you do, you are probably underweight and shouldn’t count calories because it will likely trigger more unhealthy eating behaviors.
OP, based on some of your other threads, I’m going to ask if you have ever talked to a professional. If not, maybe talking to a therapist would be helpful.
No I have never talked to a professional however that doesn't mean I can't read or listen to professionals. By the way there is no need to be personal about this I consider everyone a friend here after all we are all interested in how diets work or dont work that's some common ground isn't it.
I pointed out a calorie deficit or calorie extra intake for that matter will influence one's metabolism, this is proven by multiple studies and experts, therefore equally as important-as calorie counting- if not more so is what one will consume. How am I wrong?
I admire your tenacity, @bubus05 ... but as of this minute, you have 23 total posts on MFP, and 210 disagrees. That's plain amazing to me. Now I'm not saying that proves or disproves anything about your beliefs, but you've definitely found yourself a hot topic. You must understand by now that people here are going to challenge you every time you bring it up.
In a weird way I kind of like to be challenged I dont take anything here personally, we agree to disagree there is nothing wrong with that. Yes most will disagree with me but I dont mind. Everything that I wrote here is based on
experience. The why and how is based on research, now I might be missing something or misunderstand something quite possible I am no expert myself. I think that most will agree that depending on what one eats will influence one's metabolism. The question is how or at what point during diet. IMHO a simply reduced calorie intake with no regards to the type of calorie one eats is not the best most effective method, if it is not sustainable. If it is sustainable no worries the pounds one lost will remain lost regardless of the diet being on high carb low carb whatever kind of diet. I am not advocating against 'counting the calories' but try to point out that a simply reduced calorie diet may not get you the results you want or that long term may not be sustainable. Here is the science parthttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673773/
😂😂😂 I mean honestly, it almost seems like you’re trying to win an award for most disagrees or something....
Of course if I weigh less I burn fewer calories. That’s going to occur regardless of what “diet” you choose. And people regain the weight because they don’t continue the behavior that resulted in the weight loss in the first place, not because of some magic where their bodies decide to hold onto all the carbs forever and ever. 😆😆😆😆😆😆
If I understand correctly, they are arguing that post-weight loss one is burning even FEWER calories than one would anticipate for body mass and activity. That is, the body has undergone a metabolic slowdown above and beyond that which is related to simply maintaining less body weight.
The point is that even if this is true, this is something that would happen even if one loses weight through limiting white foods or only eating on odd-numbered hours or forever limiting carbohydrates or only eating foods that you can juggle or whatever the jack du jour is. This would make it simply a biological truism that we all must deal with and one could still make adjustments for it when determining the number of calories one should eat.
For example, if general guidelines would indicate that I need 1,500 calories to maintain my weight, but due to some metabolic issue I actually need 1,300, I would realize that by tracking my weight over time and I could adjust my daily goal to the level at which I maintain my ideal weight -- 1,300. That I should generally expect to maintain at 1,500 is nothing more than a random factoid that I can disregard, as real life results have shown me that it is not true in my case. If I'm someone who is already counting calories, this will likely be an easier process for me than it would be if I lost weight through some diet hack that completely disregarded calories because I wouldn't have the data to track and make appropriate adjustments.
Yeah I got it. I just wonder where some people find these studies. The last one he/she posted argued that people who don’t count calories don’t lose weight. They posted it to argue the point that counting calories alone won’t work. 🤦♀️5 -
janejellyroll wrote: »Dogmom1978 wrote: »Dogmom1978 wrote: »Ohh boy, we have just had a debate about counting calories on a different thread, that went kind of hot. I stated 'counting calories is a waste of time' and I received some backlash some even felt insulted. I still believe it is in itself not enough. It is a great tool to track calorie intake to achive calorie deficit, and if one's calorie deficit is sustainable on the long run it should be off great benefit. What is more important than calorie deficit/calorie counting is the type of calorie one takes in. It can mean the difference between a successful diet or frustration.
@bubus05 It got hot because of how very incorrect the “advise” you were giving was (which was proven by multiple people on that thread).
For health, you should obviously try to get enough protein and fat. For losing weight, calorie deficit is all that matters. Carbs aren’t evil. IF you have a health condition where you have to limit certain macros, then yes, you should track those more carefully (a couple of examples: diabetes or kidney disease).
As said above, for most of us, counting calories works. Most of us don’t have an actual eating disorder. If you do, you are probably underweight and shouldn’t count calories because it will likely trigger more unhealthy eating behaviors.
OP, based on some of your other threads, I’m going to ask if you have ever talked to a professional. If not, maybe talking to a therapist would be helpful.
No I have never talked to a professional however that doesn't mean I can't read or listen to professionals. By the way there is no need to be personal about this I consider everyone a friend here after all we are all interested in how diets work or dont work that's some common ground isn't it.
I pointed out a calorie deficit or calorie extra intake for that matter will influence one's metabolism, this is proven by multiple studies and experts, therefore equally as important-as calorie counting- if not more so is what one will consume. How am I wrong?
I admire your tenacity, @bubus05 ... but as of this minute, you have 23 total posts on MFP, and 210 disagrees. That's plain amazing to me. Now I'm not saying that proves or disproves anything about your beliefs, but you've definitely found yourself a hot topic. You must understand by now that people here are going to challenge you every time you bring it up.
In a weird way I kind of like to be challenged I dont take anything here personally, we agree to disagree there is nothing wrong with that. Yes most will disagree with me but I dont mind. Everything that I wrote here is based on
experience. The why and how is based on research, now I might be missing something or misunderstand something quite possible I am no expert myself. I think that most will agree that depending on what one eats will influence one's metabolism. The question is how or at what point during diet. IMHO a simply reduced calorie intake with no regards to the type of calorie one eats is not the best most effective method, if it is not sustainable. If it is sustainable no worries the pounds one lost will remain lost regardless of the diet being on high carb low carb whatever kind of diet. I am not advocating against 'counting the calories' but try to point out that a simply reduced calorie diet may not get you the results you want or that long term may not be sustainable. Here is the science parthttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673773/
😂😂😂 I mean honestly, it almost seems like you’re trying to win an award for most disagrees or something....
Of course if I weigh less I burn fewer calories. That’s going to occur regardless of what “diet” you choose. And people regain the weight because they don’t continue the behavior that resulted in the weight loss in the first place, not because of some magic where their bodies decide to hold onto all the carbs forever and ever. 😆😆😆😆😆😆
If I understand correctly, they are arguing that post-weight loss one is burning even FEWER calories than one would anticipate for body mass and activity. That is, the body has undergone a metabolic slowdown above and beyond that which is related to simply maintaining less body weight.
The point is that even if this is true, this is something that would happen even if one loses weight through limiting white foods or only eating on odd-numbered hours or forever limiting carbohydrates or only eating foods that you can juggle or whatever the jack du jour is. This would make it simply a biological truism that we all must deal with and one could still make adjustments for it when determining the number of calories one should eat.
For example, if general guidelines would indicate that I need 1,500 calories to maintain my weight, but due to some metabolic issue I actually need 1,300, I would realize that by tracking my weight over time and I could adjust my daily goal to the level at which I maintain my ideal weight -- 1,300. That I should generally expect to maintain at 1,500 is nothing more than a random factoid that I can disregard, as real life results have shown me that it is not true in my case. If I'm someone who is already counting calories, this will likely be an easier process for me than it would be if I lost weight through some diet hack that completely disregarded calories because I wouldn't have the data to track and make appropriate adjustments.
Yeah I got it. I just wonder where some people find these studies. The last one he/she posted argued that people who don’t count calories don’t lose weight. They posted it to argue the point that counting calories alone won’t work. 🤦♀️0 -
Dogmom1978 wrote: »Ohh boy, we have just had a debate about counting calories on a different thread, that went kind of hot. I stated 'counting calories is a waste of time' and I received some backlash some even felt insulted. I still believe it is in itself not enough. It is a great tool to track calorie intake to achive calorie deficit, and if one's calorie deficit is sustainable on the long run it should be off great benefit. What is more important than calorie deficit/calorie counting is the type of calorie one takes in. It can mean the difference between a successful diet or frustration.
@bubus05 It got hot because of how very incorrect the “advise” you were giving was (which was proven by multiple people on that thread).
For health, you should obviously try to get enough protein and fat. For losing weight, calorie deficit is all that matters. Carbs aren’t evil. IF you have a health condition where you have to limit certain macros, then yes, you should track those more carefully (a couple of examples: diabetes or kidney disease).
As said above, for most of us, counting calories works. Most of us don’t have an actual eating disorder. If you do, you are probably underweight and shouldn’t count calories because it will likely trigger more unhealthy eating behaviors.
OP, based on some of your other threads, I’m going to ask if you have ever talked to a professional. If not, maybe talking to a therapist would be helpful.No I have never talked to a professional however that doesn't mean I can't read or listen to professionals. By the way there is no need to be personal about this I consider everyone a friend here after all we are all interested in how diets work or dont work that's some common ground isn't it.
I pointed out a calorie deficit or calorie extra intake for that matter will influence one's metabolism, this is proven by multiple studies and experts, therefore equally as important-as calorie counting- if not more so is what one will consume. How am I wrong?
OP = Original Poster = the person who started this thread = not you5 -
janejellyroll wrote: »Dogmom1978 wrote: »Ohh boy, we have just had a debate about counting calories on a different thread, that went kind of hot. I stated 'counting calories is a waste of time' and I received some backlash some even felt insulted. I still believe it is in itself not enough. It is a great tool to track calorie intake to achive calorie deficit, and if one's calorie deficit is sustainable on the long run it should be off great benefit. What is more important than calorie deficit/calorie counting is the type of calorie one takes in. It can mean the difference between a successful diet or frustration.
@bubus05 It got hot because of how very incorrect the “advise” you were giving was (which was proven by multiple people on that thread).
For health, you should obviously try to get enough protein and fat. For losing weight, calorie deficit is all that matters. Carbs aren’t evil. IF you have a health condition where you have to limit certain macros, then yes, you should track those more carefully (a couple of examples: diabetes or kidney disease).
As said above, for most of us, counting calories works. Most of us don’t have an actual eating disorder. If you do, you are probably underweight and shouldn’t count calories because it will likely trigger more unhealthy eating behaviors.
OP, based on some of your other threads, I’m going to ask if you have ever talked to a professional. If not, maybe talking to a therapist would be helpful.
No I have never talked to a professional however that doesn't mean I can't read or listen to professionals. By the way there is no need to be personal about this I consider everyone a friend here after all we are all interested in how diets work or dont work that's some common ground isn't it.
I pointed out a calorie deficit or calorie extra intake for that matter will influence one's metabolism, this is proven by multiple studies and experts, therefore equally as important-as calorie counting- if not more so is what one will consume. How am I wrong?
I admire your tenacity, @bubus05 ... but as of this minute, you have 23 total posts on MFP, and 210 disagrees. That's plain amazing to me. Now I'm not saying that proves or disproves anything about your beliefs, but you've definitely found yourself a hot topic. You must understand by now that people here are going to challenge you every time you bring it up.
In a weird way I kind of like to be challenged I dont take anything here personally, we agree to disagree there is nothing wrong with that. Yes most will disagree with me but I dont mind. Everything that I wrote here is based on
experience. The why and how is based on research, now I might be missing something or misunderstand something quite possible I am no expert myself. I think that most will agree that depending on what one eats will influence one's metabolism. The question is how or at what point during diet. IMHO a simply reduced calorie intake with no regards to the type of calorie one eats is not the best most effective method, if it is not sustainable. If it is sustainable no worries the pounds one lost will remain lost regardless of the diet being on high carb low carb whatever kind of diet. I am not advocating against 'counting the calories' but try to point out that a simply reduced calorie diet may not get you the results you want or that long term may not be sustainable. Here is the science parthttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673773/
Even if the body is using fewer calories as the result of adaptations due to weight loss, that's going to happen whether we lose weight through consciously counting calories or another method of weight loss (that involves reducing calories through a more roundabout method). It's not like the simple ACT of counting calories results in different results once we're at the goal, so I'm absolutely at a loss as to what you're trying to argue here.
If the argument is that successful weight management includes identifying which foods/types of meals results in satiety, I don't think anyone here would argue against that. It's just that we recognize that counting calories is a good way to ensure one is hitting one's goal for loss/management. It can be used with ALL other strategies for weight management, including eating for satiety (high volume, high fiber, high protein, etc), limiting eating opportunities (fasting, OMAD), eating regularly (multiple small meals), limiting certain types of food (high sugar, high fat, etc). Almost any eating adaptation I can think of can be used in combination with calorie counting, with the bonus that it makes weight management more predictable and allows one to continue to manage one's weight even if one's routine is thrown off. For example, if I manage my weight with the hack of limiting pre-prepared food, I might struggle if a family member is in the hospital for an extended period and I have to get a bunch of my meals from fast food or another pre-made source. If I'm limiting pre-prepared food and counting calories, then when my routine is thrown off, I can still eat to my calorie goal even when I'm going to Taco Bell.
About the only method that doesn't work well with calorie counting, IMO, is intuitive eating.
Right, through logging my foods I have learned that higher protein and fiber fills me up for less calories and it is ever so much easier to meet my protein and fiber goals when I log foods vs guessing or intuiting.8 -
breefoshee wrote: »I definitely think it depends on the person. Some people can log and have really healthy outlooks when they go over their calories or just in their relation to food in general.
I've noticed that I, personally, have more consistent losses and a healthier relationship with food when I don't log. I just become obsessed with the numbers and accuracy to an unhealthy point. I obsess over everything that doesn't fit in my calories. I get frustrated when my numbers don't equate to loss because, even if I went over, I feel like I am working really hard mentally.
I do keep a mental estimate based on passed logging and I check calories on things that I don't have any ideas about. This has made it easier for me and I have consistently lost weight every month since doing this.
0 -
So what do you do when you're eating out and there is no nutrition label? What if you buy meals at the grocery store and it has no information on macros?
It happens regularly in my case. Almost everyday
Estimate. But I'd also try to avoid having it happen so much. If you eat similarly on a weekly basis, however, you can estimate and adjust based on results.1 -
This is exactly what I struggle with! I get so focused on the numbers I end up driving myself crazy. But if I don’t track my calories then I have no idea if I’m in a deficit.1
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Thank you all so much. I probably do need to talk to a therapist as suggested. As far as TikTok there are actually a lot of professionals using it to get themselves out there and direct you to their website/business.2
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Thank you all so much. I probably do need to talk to a therapist as suggested. As far as TikTok there are actually a lot of professionals using it to get themselves out there and direct you to their website/business.
I agree with the therapist, but 100% disagree with professionals utilizing tiktok to get themselves out there. True professionals can use more reputable resources to do so11 -
So, can one lose weight without tracking calories and keep it off?? I think yes, I lost 80lbs and never tracked an single calorie. My dietary pattern made me less hungry and I ate less calories. It might mean making sacrifices. Can you make them OP? You already have have issues with restriction. If you want to lose weight choose a protocol that reduces appetite and stick with it . Or count calories. Dietary adherence is the BIGGEST predictor of who loses weight and maintains it.5
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Thank you all so much. I probably do need to talk to a therapist as suggested. As far as TikTok there are actually a lot of professionals using it to get themselves out there and direct you to their website/business.
I don't think there is inherently a problem with professionals using social media to "get themselves out there." The issue is that it is very hard to evaluate someone's credentials and expertise from a TikTok clip. They could be a well-educated professional with a proven track record, they could be someone who has an 18 hour online "certification" and is using social media to sell weight loss shakes. It's really hard to tell, which is why it's best to use caution especially when the advice seems overly generalized (like "don't count calories, it will give you an ED").9 -
@janejellyroll yes this makes sense. Thanks.2
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I think once you are familiar with calorie content you could just eyeball it , maybe . . . but it's all too easy to delude yourself.
Especially when it's your favourite flavour !0 -
Thank you all so much. I probably do need to talk to a therapist as suggested. As far as TikTok there are actually a lot of professionals using it to get themselves out there and direct you to their website/business.
Not only just a therapist but a registered dietitian as well. Not a health/ weight loss coach or vague nutrition title, but a registered dietitian.2 -
CI<CO for fat loss. Put together a plan that gets you there safely with the least amount of pain and suffering. If that means counting then count. If that means low carb go for it. If that means low fat so be it. And on and on and on. In the end it's all very individual...2
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